The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) is aware of media reports regarding allegations of unlawful property practices involving Ms Ester Smit and wishes to provide clarity on the matter.
The PPRA confirms that it is currently investigating Ms Smit following complaints received from members of the public alleging that she has been practising as a property practitioner without a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC).
As a result of these complaints, Ms Smit has been formally charged with contravening section 48 of the Property Practitioners Act, 22 of 2019, which prohibits any person from performing the functions of a property practitioner without holding a valid and current Fidelity Fund Certificate issued by the PPRA.
Ms Smit was scheduled to appear before a PPRA-appointed adjudicator on 04 December 2025. However, she failed to appear at the hearing, and the matter was subsequently postponed. The PPRA confirms that should Ms Smit fail to appear at the next scheduled hearing, the matter will proceed in her absence in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
The PPRA further confirms that it has received complaints from four (4) complainants linked to this matter, all of which remain under active investigation. The Authority continues to engage with affected consumers and relevant stakeholders as part of its investigative and enforcement processes.
The PPRA reiterates its commitment to protecting consumers and upholding the integrity of the property sector. Members of the public are urged to exercise caution when dealing with individuals who claim to be property practitioners, particularly where upfront payments are requested.
Consumer Checklist
Consumers are advised to conduct proper due diligence before entering into any property-related transactions and before paying over any money. At a minimum, consumers should ensure that:
• The individual they are dealing with is in possession of a valid and current Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) issued by the PPRA;
• The individual is employed by a firm that is registered with the PPRA, holds a valid FFC, and operates a valid trust account with a recognised banking institution;
• No payments are made into personal bank accounts- all monies must be paid
into a registered firm’s trust account; and
• No business is conducted with any person who cannot produce an FFC upon request.
These details can be verified by contacting the PPRA directly on 087 285 3222. Complainants may lodge their complaint with the PPRA by submitting a complaint form to legal@theppra.org.za or submit a complaint online at https://theppra.org.za/complaint-online.
The PPRA encourages any consumers who believe they may have been affected by unlawful property practices to report the matter to the Authority without delay. Vigilance and verification remain critical in preventing fraud and protecting consumers in the property sector.